Innovation Summer 2026

Bill M216 update | Truth & Reconciliation Strategy | Annual Reporting due

INNOVATION ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS BRITISH COLUMBIA SUMMER 2026

HIGHLIGHTS A showcase of registrant projects 2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6 PROJECT

QUANTUM computing: the next tech age

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Innovation Summer 2026

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SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE & AGM OCTOBER 14 – 16, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC VICTORIA CONFERENCE CENTRE MARK OCTOBER 14 – 16, 2026 IN YOUR CALENDAR TODAY. EGBC.CA/CONFERENCE Stay a bit longer and explore Victoria with exclusive travel and tourism discounts including restaurants, shops, attractions, tours, transportation, and preferred guest room rates at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Don’t miss three days of Continuing Education sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, networking, the tradeshow, and the Annual General Meeting. NEW this year: everyone is welcome to join us at the Opening Network Reception!*

*Some restrictions may apply.

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Summer 2026 Innovation

CONTENTS

COMMENT 4 Viewpoint

NEWS 5 Bill M216 upate

P hoto : J Acob b RoS c oNStRuctioN

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6 Certified Professional Program 7 Truth & Reconciliation Strategy 8 Annual Reporting due 8 PST for the professions 9 AGM & Annual Conference 10 Board report FEATURES 14 The future of quantum computing 20 Project Highlights 46 Authenticity in the workplace

Project Highlights View the latest innovations from our registrants in our annual Project Highlights edition. 14

Emerging Global Issues series: Part 1 - Quantum computing Exploring the opportunities and obstacles of quantum computing.

P hoto : N icholAS P hilliPS

Navigating authenticity Four registrants who are queer share their workplace experiences. 46

DEPARTMENTS 12 Professional Practice 51 Discipline and enforcement 55 Display Advertisers’ index

P hoto : N ew A fRicA /S hutteRStock

ON THE COVER One of the Project Highlights (starting page 20) entries shows the interior of the new Gitxsan West Secondary School. P hoto : A NdRew l oweS

Digital Innovation Interested in receiving Innovation digitally instead of by mail? You can change your preferences in your online account, under Communication Preferences. View the digital version by scanning the QR code or by going to egbc.ca/Innovation.

Innovation Summer 2026

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V I EWPO INT

SUMMER 2026 | VOLUME 30 NUMBER 2 INNOVATION

ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS BRITISH COLUMBIA Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 6N2 Tel: 604.430.8035 | Toll free: 1.888.430.8035

Strong rapport with government is essential

Email: info@egbc.ca | Web: egbc.ca

BOARD 2024/2025 CHAIR: KAREN LING, P.ENG. VICE CHAIR: JENS WEBER, P.ENG. IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR: MARK PORTER, P.ENG., STRUCT.ENG., FEC MICHELLE MAHOVLICH, P.ENG., P.GEO., FCSSE BOARD MEMBERS BILL CHAN, CPA, CGA, MBA, ICD.D; VERONICA KNOTT, P.ENG.; MICHELLE MAHOVLICH, P.ENG., P.GEO., FCSSE ; CATHY MCINTYRE, MBA, C.DIR; MATTHEW SALMON, P.ENG.;

It is always remarkable to hear about the many outstanding projects that our registrants in the engineering and geoscience professions lead and contribute to (see Project Highlights, p.20). These projects help grow our province and make our communities safer, more livable, and sustainable – primary goals throughout our organization and professions. One of the approaches taken by Engineers and Geoscientists BC to meet these goals is to engage with government on important topics to our professions. Recently, members of the Board, executive, and leadership team attended a Legislature Day in Victoria to connect with elected officials and staff teams. We were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Premier David Eby and his caucus, as well as MLAs from the Opposition Party. We had the opportunity to speak about the organization’s current priorities and trends throughout our diverse registrant group. We also offered our ability and openness to provide feedback and insights on regulatory discussions important to the provincial government. Meeting with leaders from both parties provided insights on priorities for the province being discussed in government today and in the near future. We felt a genuine interest from both parties in the work that we are doing as an organization and within the engineering and geoscience professions. We are confident that a strong rapport with government is essential, as we are the province’s regulatory body for our professions. Our focus was to share the message that engagement with Engineers and Geoscientists BC is valuable in our shared focus of safety to the public. As we continually progress in our role as a regulator, we are building alignment with other professional regulatory bodies, which highlights the importance of building relationships with MLAs and leaders throughout the various levels of government. Over the past years, as the Professional Governance Act has defined our responsibilities as a provincial regulator, our focus and mandate has evolved as the PGA has been implemented in our organization. While our role does not include lobbying, we believe that engagement with the public and government officials is an essential role that we play in ensuring that BC remains a safe, sustainable and livable community for generations to come. Karen Ling, P.Eng.

T.J. SCHMALTZ, JD, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP, ICD.D; MALCOLM SHIELD, P.ENG.; COLETTE TRUDEAU, MA; DR. GORDON ZHOU, P.ENG.

EXECUTIVE TEAM HEIDI YANG, P.ENG., FEC, FGC (HON.), CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JENNIFER CHO, CPA, CGA, CHIEF FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER ALISON DANTAS, MA, CEC, C.DIR, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JASON ONG , CHIEF REGULATORY OFFICER AND REGISTRAR

MANAGING EDITOR Shelley Nicholl

EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Ryan Bird, P.Eng.; Ian Rodriguez, P.Eng.; Raya Smertina, P.Eng.; Aman Tanvir, P.Eng.; Stefano Vitucci, P.Eng. Innovation is published quarterly by Engineers and Geoscientists BC. As the official publication of the organization, Innovation is circulated to all registrants of Engineers and Geoscientists BC as well as architects, contractors and industry executives. The views expressed in any article do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Board or Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

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Sales Representative: Wing-Yee Kwong Tel: 604.681.1811 Email: advertising@egbc.ca For information see: www.egbc.ca/About/Publications/Innovation/How-to-Advertise SUBMISSIONS Innovation does not accept unsolicited articles or photos, but we do welcome article proposals and ideas. Proposals should be of interest and relevant to our readers and recognize the regulatory role of Engineers and Geoscientists BC in ensuring public safety and environmental protection. They should not be a "sales pitch" for a company or organization. Send suggestions to: innovation@egbc.ca . LETTERS All submitted letters may be subject to editing for length, clarity or accuracy. We reserve the right to reject unsuitable letters and we do not publish open letters to third parties. Send letters to: innovation@egbc.ca. REPRINTS & COPIES All material is copyright. For reprint permission or extra copies, contact: innovation@egbc.ca. PRINT & DIGITAL EDITIONS All registrants with Engineers and Geoscientists BC receive Innovation in print or digital form. Registrants can choose how they prefer to receive Innovation by updating their communication preferences in their accounts at egbc.ca/account.

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ISSN 1206-3622 Publications Mail Agreement No 40065271. Registration No 09799. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Innovation , Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N2.

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REGULATORY NEWS

P hoto : R obert H erhold /A dobe S tock

Bill M216 sponsor asks to end consideration of bill

and the opportunity it creates for further dialogue and collaboration. “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs and all interested parties to improve housing permitting processes while maintaining safety standards and regulatory clarity.” Yang had recently appeared before the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills to share comments and answer questions on Bill M216. Joining Yang on April 1 were leaders of the other five Professional Governance Act ( PGA ) regulators, including Mark Vernon, CEO of the Architectural Institute of BC. Yang and Vernon spoke on behalf of PGA regulators in addressing overarching concerns related to Bill M216, including permit clarity, evaluation processes, liability transfer, dispute resolution, and the need for clear roles and safeguards. Ultimately, the PGA regulators deemed the bill unworkable in its current form. “As an engineer, I’m a systems thinker, so I would want to be looking at the development permit process from start to finish and really evaluate the root causes behind where the delay is, why the delays are happening, what is causing that, and how can we help support it,” Yang told the committee. “Once we understand why it’s happening and where it’s happening, then we can really work together and build solutions.” The Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills must now decide whether to formally recommend to the legislature that the bill not advance past the committee stage.

The Professional Reliance Act ’s sponsor, MLA George Anderson, asked the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills to end its consideration of Bill M216. In an April 9 letter to the committee, Anderson said the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing “committed to undertake further work on the core policy principles advanced in my bill,” and committed to working with those involved to explore ways to build on the principles of safety, speed and professional responsibility while balancing the needs of those impacted, including local governments and professionals. Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, issued a statement following Anderson’s request to not continue consideration of Bill M216 saying, “In recognition of the local governments, organizations and individuals that took countless hours to provide written submissions to the committee, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs will be engaging with stakeholders to see how we can continue to reduce permitting timelines for new housing projects. “This work will explore how to build on the principles of safety, speed and professional responsibility while balancing the needs of local governments and regulated professionals. We anticipate this work to begin later this year,” she added. Engineers and Geoscientists BC CEO Heidi Yang, P.Eng., said, “We appreciate the bill sponsor’s decision to ask the committee to conclude consideration of the Professional Reliance Act, and we are pleased that the feedback shared by professional regulators and industry was heard. We value this thoughtful approach

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REGULATORY NEWS

Licensees eligible for Certified Professional program Professional licensees (P.L.Eng.) are now eligible to become Certified Professionals (CPs) – expanding opportunities to participate in a program that supports more efficient building permitting and construction oversight in BC, where local governments have adopted the program. The CP Program, administered

jointly by Engineers and Geoscientists BC and the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC), offers an alternative to the traditional building permit and inspection process. CPs provide professional assurance that designs and construction will substantially comply with the fire, life-safety, and accessibility requirements of the applicable building code, other applicable safety enactments, and the related development permit. Municipalities rely on this assurance when issuing building and occupancy permits under the CP Program. Expanding the CP Program to professional licensees with the appropriate authorized area of reserved practice recognizes the expertise and experience that P.L.Eng. registrants bring to complex projects. In order to become a CP, a P.L.Eng. must have an authorized area of reserved practice that includes Division A, Division B Part 1 and 3, and Division C of the BC Building Code , and complete required course work and exams. For eligible P.L.Eng. registrants, becoming a CP can provide new ways to apply advanced code knowledge, support project delivery, and contribute to streamlined permit processes in participating jurisdictions across the province. More information about the CP Program is available on the AIBC website.

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CP Program

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Summer 2026 Innovation

REGULATORY NEWS

Reconciliation embedded in new strategy

In February, Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Board approved the organization’s first Truth and Reconciliation Strategy, marking a key milestone in the organization’s reconciliation journey and deepening a long-standing commitment. This strategy represents a significant step in embedding reconciliation meaningfully into regulatory practices that shape the professions. “Intentional change around reconciliation takes time, commitment, and buy-in from the highest level of any organization,” said Alison Dantas, COO at Engineers and Geoscientists BC. “I am proud to see that commitment reflected at all levels of our organization – from the Board, to our executive team, to our staff. As we implement this strategy, we will walk this journey together with our registrants and firms.” Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s commitment to reconciliation began in 2017, when the Board approved an AGM motion to explore implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Since then, the organization has taken intentional steps forward, including creating Territorial Acknowledgement Policies for staff and volunteers, adding Indigenous Rights into the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Professional Practice Guidelines, and releasing two mandatory Truth and Reconciliation regulatory learning modules. As a first step in the strategy development, the organization conducted a broad environmental scan and consultation process. This included engagement with over 29 organizations and groups across six major sectors: Indigenous organizations, government bodies, registrants, industry partners, academic institutions, and other regulatory bodies and associations across BC and Canada. Through this process, the organization was guided by the Porttris Group, an Indigenous consulting firm whose knowledge, cultural integrity, and expertise shaped Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s strategy development. “Our intention was to respectfully listen to voices from organizations at different stages of their reconciliation journey to understand best practices, challenges and gaps,” said Sneha Satheendran, Manager of EDI at Engineers and Geoscientists BC. “Most importantly, we wanted to learn what success in reconciliation looks like for a professional regulator and to take these insights and develop a thoughtful sustainable strategy within our mandate.” “The consultation approach emphasized inclusivity, respect, and alignment with Indigenous principles,” she said, adding that the Engineers and Geoscientists BC leadership team and Board provided direction and input during the development of the strategy. “We are deeply grateful to all who generously spent their time, insights, and lived experiences with us throughout this process.”

The organization also engaged with Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation (EDIT&R) Working Group, which played a key role in the development of the strategy through consultation at different stages. During the consultation, the organization received consistent support and commitment for this work from different groups. Many saw an opportunity for the organization to play a meaningful role in advancing reconciliation within the professions and community. The organization also learned that registrants and firms were at different stages in their respective journeys. Some were looking for more advanced direction, while others emphasized the need for foundational understanding and support. Engineers and Geoscientists BC will proceed with the strategy in a phased manner, guided by ongoing listening, learning, and engagement. The organization will ensure that the next steps are sustainable and align with the strategy’s guiding principles.

Truth and Reconciliation webpage

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REGULATORY NEWS

Registrants must update their personal and professional information and complete their annual declarations in their online Annual Reporting for registrants due June 30 account between May 1 and June 30 every year. Annual Reporting is mandatory

for Practising, Non-practising, designated Retired, and Trainee registrants. Only Non-practising Life registrants are exempt. Registrants can scan the QR code to visit the Annual Reporting webpage to learn more about reporting requirements and deadlines.

Annual Reporting

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The BC government is expanding PST to certain professional services, including engineering and geoscience services, effective October 1, 2026. PST will apply to 30 percent of the purchase price of engineering and geoscience services at the standard seven percent rate. Practitioners who provide newly taxable services may be required to register to collect and remit PST unless an exemption applies. The registration portal to collect PST is currently open, and registration must be completed online through the BC government’s PST system. Further details, including regulatory guidance and exemptions, are expected as the province finalizes associated regulations. Engineers and geoscientists are encouraged to review the provincial government notice directly to understand how the changes may apply to their practice. PST expanded to engineering and geoscience services

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Summer 2026 Innovation

REGULATORY NEWS

Last year’s AGM and Annual Converence were held in Vancouver. P hoto : w eNdy d P hotoGRAPhy

AGM and Annual Conference set for October 14-16

Save the date for this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Conference taking place October 14-16 at the Victoria Conference Centre. The AGM will be held on Wednesday, October 14, at 2 p.m. and use a hybrid format allowing registrants to attend in-person and virtually. The AGM is an opportunity for registrants to hear from the Board and senior staff about the organization’s strategic progress, key initiatives, and financial standing. It also provides an opportunity for registrants to bring forward motions for the Board’s consideration. All registrants are encouraged to attend and participate in the AGM. Students and members of the public are welcome to attend as observers. Following the AGM, the Annual Conference will feature Continuing Education sessions, inspirational keynote speakers and networking opportunities. This year, registrants can also attend a new opening networking reception. Registration for the Annual Conference opens later this month (see ad page 2).

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BOARD NEWS

On March 31, members of Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Board and leadership team met with MLAs in Victoria as part of a day of activities at the BC Legislature. P hoto : G eoff H owe

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: APRIL 17 Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Board meets throughout the year. The following are highlights from its April 17 meeting.

Financial forecast Engineers and Geoscientists BC CFAO Jennifer Cho updated the financials. The organization is currently projecting a deficit in the range of $500,000 to $600,000 for FY2026, which is approximately $384,000 less than the budgeted deficit of $900,000. Forecasted revenue is $777,000 higher than budget primarily due to higher-than-expected exam revenue, higher revenue from continuing education and annual reporting penalty fees, and additional revenue from employment advertising as the program transition to the BC Society of Engineers and Geoscientists continued longer than anticipated. Forecasted expenses are $269,000 higher than FY2026 Budget, primarily due to higher legal expenses from

Board approves changes to organizational bylaws The Board approved amendments to Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Bylaws. Changes include: • updates to Board governance, • clarity on documented risk assessment and Responsible Registrant/Responsible Officer requirements, • clarity on accountability regarding a Reprimand or Remedial Action by Consent, and • various process improvements and deadline updates. The Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG) approved the bylaws in May.

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BOARD NEWS

to the Vancouver Airport Authority Board. Appointments Credentials Committee • Terry Becker Audit & Practice Review Committee • Marliese Elizabeth Breuer, P.Eng. Investigation Committee • Allan Rod Gehl • Robyn Gaebel, P.Eng. • Dr. David Dowdell, P.Eng. • Vivienne McLennan, P.Geo. Discipline Committee • Collin William Vaness, P.Eng. • Emily Anne Cheung, P.Eng., FEC • Gerald Matier • Sean Bing-Hsin Liaw, P.Eng., FEC • Jaswinder Singh Bansal, P.Eng.

discipline files, contract service costs related to recruitment, and higher examination costs. CEO report CEO Heidi Yang, P.Eng., updated the board on: • the Enhancing Administrative Fairness Project, which is in the final stages of development and will be entering focus group testing shortly. In March, Engineers and Geoscientists BC was approved for $85,000 in funding from the Credentials Assessment Improvement Fund (CAIF) for a National Technical Exam Information Portal Project, which aims to improve and refine information regarding the multi-jurisdictional online technical examinations and consolidate exam schedules, formats, guidance, registration processes and support resources; and • upcoming public and registrant engagement initiatives, including a focused public advertising campaign and surveys to seek feedback on options to improve the Struct.Eng. program. Other reports The Board received reports from staff and representatives on the following: • The Board approved the publication of Engineers and

Geoscientists BC’s Professional Practice Guidelines – Manufacturing , which clarify the roles and responsibilities of those involved across project scoping, design, analysis, fabrication, testing, commissioning, modification, and life cycle management of manufactured products and processes. • The Board received an update on Engineers and Geoscientists • The Board approved guidance for Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s representative to Engineers Canada’s Annual Meeting of Members in May, including to vote to accept the increase of the per capita fee assessment (from $11 to $12) and accept the recommendations from Engineers Canada’s Governance Review. • The Board received its annual update from the Audit and Practice Review Committee. Committee Chair Gordon McDonald, P.Eng., informed the Board on the status and outlook of the Continuing Education Program, the Permit to Practice Program, Compliance Audit Programs, and Practice Review Programs. • The Board received an annual update from Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s representative BC’s Strategic Plan and the organization’s Key Progress Indicators from COO Alison Dantas.

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Board meeting agendas, minutes and highlights

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Bylaws updates

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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Professional practice guidelines and advisories

Embodied Carbon Considerations for Structural Engineers This advisory is being revised to bring the document into alignment with the National Whole-building Life Cycle Assessment Practitioner’s Guide. The advisory is also being updated to reflect changes in the embodied carbon space since the initial publication, and to point to the practitioner’s guide and other resources (where applicable) for more comprehensive guidance on topics such as calculated embodied carbon. If you are interested in contributing to the development of this advisory, please contact Allison Chen, P.Eng., Manager, Built Environment and Seismic Initiatives, at achen@egbc.ca. Professional Practice resources in development Professional Practice Guideline – Professional Structural Engineering Services for Part 9 Buildings (revision) These guidelines are being revised to address changes and the latest trends in the structural design of Part 9 buildings. Key updates will include considerations for determining the appropriate loads and design approach, and for the integration of common Part 4 components (e.g., tall walls, trusses, foundations, heavy timber) in an otherwise Part 9 design. The updates will also clarify requirements for independent review and issuance of letters of assurance. If you are interested in contributing to the development of this guideline revision, please contact achen@egbc.ca.

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Summer 2026 Innovation

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Professional practice inquiries

How do I know if I am professionally competent in a given field?

Principle 2 of the Code of Ethics requires that registrants practice only in those fields where training and ability make the registrant professionally competent. This principle is in place to protect the public by preventing registrants from taking on work they are not qualified to perform. When registrants stay within their scope of expertise, the risk of errors, unsafe designs, or overlooked risks is reduced. Registrants can demonstrate competence through a combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Education and training can be demonstrated through: • Formal education such as a university degree • Completion of continuing education sessions such as those offered by Engineers and Geoscientists BC • Informal education such as workplace training, mentorship, workshops or online courses. It is important to note that training alone does not necessarily demonstrate competence to practice within all areas of a given field. Mechanical engineering, for example, has many sub-disciplines, and it is nearly impossible for a registrant to be competent in all aspects of mechanical engineering simply through obtaining a degree in the discipline. Registrants will typically require additional training and on-the-job experience beyond an undergraduate degree before engaging in the many different sub-disciplines within each engineering discipline.

Registrants can demonstrate they have the appropriate experience for a project when they can share a portfolio of work that is similar in scope and complexity to the work they are looking to engage in. Additionally, registrants must be knowledgeable of any codes, standards, and regulations – as well as the local context – relevant to the project. Before accepting an assignment, registrants must fully understand the scope of services they are being asked to undertake and be aware and honest with themselves about their limitations. Relevant qualifications, education, training, and experience may all inform a registrant’s assessment of competence, depending on the nature and context of the work. When choosing whether or not to engage in professional activities, registrants should ask themselves whether they have the professional competency to produce work products that other reasonably prudent registrants with similar education, training, and experience would support. When deciding whether to engage in professional activities, registrants should ask themselves whether they can demonstrate the education, training, and ability necessary to be professionally competent for the work they plan to undertake. If registrants have doubts about their competence for a particular scope of work, they should either withdraw from the project, seek input from another qualified professional, or engage another registrant competent in that area. David Slade, P.Eng. Practice Advisor

Upcoming Webinar: Knowing Your Limits and Maintaining Competence: Understanding Code of Ethics Principles 2 and 5 This ethical practice webinar assists registrants in understanding their professional obligations as they relate to Principles 2 and 5 from the Code of Ethics, and how to meet these requirements in practice. This webinar will discuss factors registrants should consider when evaluating whether they have the appropriate training and experience for a given area of work, and when it may be appropriate to seek additional expertise or refrain from undertaking the work.

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INNOVATION SERIES: EMERGING GLOBAL ISSUES

As the world changes, professional engineers and geoscientists are rapidly responding to new challenges. To focus on how emerging global trends may impact the professions, Innovation is publishing a four-part feature series on the following topics: • quantum computing • critical minerals and mining • climate change • cross-profession collaboration

P hoto : metAmoRwoRkS /A dobe S tock

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Summer 2026 Innovation Summer 2026 Innovation

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Series: part 1

QUANTUM COMPUTING The beginning of the next technological age

By Brian MacIver

W hile quantum mechanics may sound technology. For decades, transistors, lasers, GPS, and medical imaging, among other things, have all relied on quantum mechanical principles to function. But none of these leverage the truly “spooky” quantum properties, until recently. Today, a new wave of quantum technologies is intentionally exploiting quantum effects at the level of individual atoms, electrons, and photons like the stuff of science fiction, quantum science is already woven into our everyday

to do things that were previously impossible or impractically expensive using classical technology. Quantum computers, especially, have attracted headlines and billions of dollars in research and development funding from companies like Alphabet (Google), IBM, Intel, and Microsoft. “Quantum is not the apex of the current technological age,” said Dr. Martin Laforest, a quantum physicist and partner at Canadian quantum-only venture capital fund Quantacet. “It’s the start of the next one.”

Innovation Summer 2026 Innovation Summer 2025

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Understanding the ‘impossible’ scale of quantum computers

Quantum Computing for Modeling of Molecules and Materials at the University of Victoria. Whereas classical computers that we use today can only store information in a binary of zeroes and ones

The federal government committed in its 2025 budget to investing more than $334 million over five years to strengthen Canada’s quantum ecosystem. This follows an initial investment into the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) of $360 million in 2023 and more than $1 billion invested in quantum

called bits, quantum computers leverage qubits (short for quantum bits) that can be zero and one at the same time. This means quantum computers can have exponentially more computing power than classical computers, said Dr. Joseph Salfi, P.Eng., an experimental quantum physicist and engineer who works as an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UBC and is a principal investigator at UBC’s Quantum Matter Institute. “If you take that to N bits, then you can have 2 to the N [2^N] different values all at the same time,” Salfi said. In other

science between 2012 and 2022. Federal officials are expecting a hefty return on

those investments: According to a study commissioned by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), the quantum sector will become a $139 billion industry in Canada with more than 200,000 jobs and $42 billion in returns by 2045, potentially contributing three percent to Canada’s GDP. “Quantum technology is out of the labs; it’s no longer a research endeavor. There’s a real industry with real application, with real tools today in

A packaged semiconductor qubits chip made at the Quantum Matter Institute, Advanced Nanofabrication Facility, at UBC. P hoto : N icholas P hillips

the market making a difference,” Laforest said. “Canada is one of the top countries in the world [in quantum].” Outscaling classical computers Among other technical differences, quantum computers leverage the quantum property of superposition – the fundamental idea that says a physical system can exist in a combination of all its possible states at the same time. That superposition ends once the system is measured or interacts with its environment, at which point it settles into a single outcome we can observe. “Things that you might only be able to represent on a large supercomputer can be boiled down to a single chip on a quantum computer,” said Dr. Thomas Baker, an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in

words, quantum computers can perform tasks at scales impossible for the world’s largest classical computers or classical computer networks. “If there are N variables you could set to zero or one, then you have 2^N tries,” Salfi explained. Even if each possibility is distributed across a different computer, the required hardware quickly exceeds physical limits. “If I have 53 parameters, I need 10^16 computers, and we don’t have that many computers.” Laforest grounded this number in something a bit more tangible. “If we want to do a precise simulation of a molecule with about 120 atoms, you can do it on a classical computer,” Laforest said. “But your classical computer will need a hard drive about the size of the solar system, and it will have to run for about 1,000 times the age of the universe.”

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Summer 2026 Innovation

Dr. Martin Laforest (Quantacet)

Dr. Joseph Salfi, P.Eng. (UBC)

Dr. Thomas Baker (UVic)

ranging from energy storage to chemical processing. “Things like molecular simulation are enormously expensive on the classical computer to do accurately,” he said. Where he would ultimately like to see quantum computing pointed at is in helping develop solutions to combat the effects of climate change. “We’re writing a ton of grants about this right now,” Baker said. “If we can come to a quantum computer that’s useful and can drive this, you could start talking about carbon-capture techniques and better modelling of lithium-ion batteries.” Building hardware a challenge If quantum computers promise extraordinary capabilities, they are also extraordinarily difficult to build. Researchers and industry leaders agree the issue is not understanding quantum mechanics, but controlling it reliably outside the laboratory. And that is squarely an engineering problem. “Ninety-nine percent of all quantum scientists would agree that quantum hardware is the limitation,” Salfi said, adding that the heart of the problem is noise. “There’s a process in nature called decoherence,” Salfi explained. “That’s the number one enemy of quantum computation on hardware.” Any unwanted interaction with the environment can disturb a qubit’s fragile quantum state. “Those errors come from a ton of sources,” Laforest said, gesturing toward materials, electronics, vibration, and fabrication quality.

The consequence is not that quantum computers magically brute force every possible solution, but that they can encode and manipulate information in a fundamentally different mathematical space. “For the first time ever, we are building a computer with a completely different toolbox,” Laforest said. “That toolbox is proven physically and mathematically to be fundamentally more powerful than the old toolbox.” Powerful multi-variable problem solving Despite the headline-grabbing promise of quantum advantage, quantum computers will not completely replace classical ones. Generally, computational problems that scale linearly will still be best served by classical computers. Instead, quantum computers are expected to become powerful tools for specific tasks like multi-variable optimization problems, or simulating nature itself. “If we wanted to do an exact computational design of a material, a catalyst, or a pharmaceutical, that’s basically impossible on a classical computer,” Salfi said. Quantum systems, by contrast, operate using the same physical rules as the systems they model; instead of approximating their behaviour with huge amounts of math the way classical computers do, quantum computers can represent and “run” a version of the system using the same kinds of quantum interactions that happen in the real world. Baker highlighted additional opportunities in fields

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• Quantum gate-based computing (circuit model): This method mimics classical logic gates using quantum bits, allowing complex algorithm execution by chaining reversible quantum logic gates. It is commercialized and widely researched and is theoretically capable of solving any problem a classical computer can; in some commercially and scientifically relevant cases, it can do so more efficiently. • Quantum annealing : Unlike the circuit model, quantum annealing optimizes restricted problem sets by leveraging quantum tunnelling. It rapidly finds near-optimal solutions for NP-hard problems, making it less hardware intensive. • Topological quantum computing : This approach uses topological qubits, which are based on the “To do a calculation with high accuracy, each one of the steps has to be extremely accurate, like one error in 10 billion,” Salfi said. Today’s qubits fall well short of that threshold, with many of the most advanced systems achieving an error rate of one error in a thousand computations. Baker described why this challenge is so persistent. “You can’t eliminate all possible sources of uncertainty on the quantum computer because quantum mechanics is inherently uncertain,” he said. As quantum systems store information in superpositions, small disturbances can corrupt results unless carefully managed. Classical computers tolerate noise through well established error correction. Quantum systems require far more stringent error correction that compensates for noise by encoding information redundantly. Baker emphasized that while this idea is conceptually familiar, its implementation is not. “It’s very similar to ideas of classical error correction,” he said. “You basically send the message several times and decode against noise.” The difference is that quantum information cannot simply be copied or observed without disturbance, meaning error correction multiplies hardware requirements. “Instead of using just one qubit to store information, you have several,” Baker explained. Creating a single reliable logical qubit requires hundreds of thousands of physical ones, compounding fabrication and control challenges. Electronics design presents another barrier. Many quantum systems operate at millikelvin temperatures, where conventional components behave differently. TYPES OF QUANTUM COMPUTERS

If we want to do a precise simulation of a molecule with about 120 atoms, you can do it on a classical computer. But it will need a hard drive about the size of the solar system, and it will have to run for about 1,000 times the age of the universe. Dr. Martin Laforest, Quantum physicist, partner at Quantacet

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Controlling these systems requires rethinking assumptions common in classical engineering environments. The field is only beginning this theory-to-practice transition. “We’re at the beginning of the error-correction era,” Baker said. Industry roadmaps may project fault tolerant machines later this decade, but near-term systems must still operate with imperfections.

properties of anyons (a type of quasiparticle that exists only in two-dimensional systems), to store and process information. It is theoretically less sensitive to local errors due to their inherent resistance to environmental disturbances. This system is hypothetical as anyons have yet to be measured in a lab setting. • Measurement-based quantum computing : This method prepares a highly entangled “cluster state” and then computes via measurements. • Adiabatic quantum computing : This approach encodes a problem into a physical energy landscape and lets quantum physics find low energy solutions. Quantum annealing systems are a restricted version of adiabatic systems.

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Going quantum Engineers and geoscientists do not need to become quantum physicists themselves to contribute to the quantum computing industry, or any quantum field. “There’s a massive talent shortage in this field,” Salfi said. From Laforest’s perspective, the opportunity for engineers and geoscientists becomes clear as soon as the technology is broken down into its components. “Anyone working in materials and electronics, a lot of their systems rely on work at very low temperatures.” At the hardware level, quantum systems depend on precisely controlled electrical signals. “Creating really pure RF signals, pulse shaping, signal processing, that’s a place where engineers in telecom have made a significant impact,” Laforest pointed out. At the same time, fabrication remains one of the most pressing challenges. “How can you create your patterns in the most reliable way possible…and then create 1,000 more that are exactly the same?” Laforest added. The breadth of technical needs is reflected in how Laforest describes the field today. “The quantum technology game is not a game of quantum physicists anymore. We need the [engineers], we need the technicians, we need the tradespeople,” he said. Salfi estimated “only about 20 percent of the people building useful quantum technology will have a PhD in physics. Probably 30 percent of them are going to be engineers.” Laforest said the biggest barrier keeping engineers and geoscientists from getting involved in quantum fields is not knowledge but mindset. “The only thing that stops engineers from jumping into the quantum game is themselves,” he said. “You don’t need to know quantum to be useful in a quantum company. We need the skills that you have. We’ll take care of the quantum.”

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6 OUR ANNUAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS EDITION SHOWCASES THE INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS INVOLVING OUR REGISTRANTS.

SITE C CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT The Site C Clean Energy Project is the third hydroelectric dam on the Peace River in northeast B.C., adding 1,230 MW of capacity, an 8% boost to BC Hydro’s supply. Generating 5,100 GWh annually, it powers 450,000 homes or 1.7 million electric vehicles (EVs), supporting BC’s long-term energy needs. Designed with safety and sustainability in mind, Site C ensures reliable, clean power for future generations. BC Hydro, as the owner, worked collaboratively with the prime design consultants, KCB and AtkinsRéalis to undertake the design of critical components such as the earthfill dam, diversion tunnels, approach channel, drainage tunnels, power intakes, penstocks, the generating station, and spillways, in compliance with industry best practices. This collaborative effort highlights Site C’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, positioning it as a cornerstone of BC’s clean energy future, delivering affordable, dependable electricity while fostering regional growth. Company: BC Hydro, Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) and AtkinsRéalis (AR) Participants: BC Hydro: Andrew Watson, P.Eng.; Peter Finnegan, P.Eng.; Richard Whittaker, P.Eng.; Jean Francois Lord, P.Eng.; Dave McEachern, P.Eng.; Dustin Dowler, P.Eng. KCB: Simon Douglas, P.Eng.; Jeremy Bruce, P.Eng.; Ann Wen, P.Eng.; Garry Stevenson, P.Eng. AR: Vinod Batta, P.Eng.; Royden Heays (Retired); Wendy Lannin; Badr Benabdellah, P.Eng. P hoto : bc h ydRo

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | 2025-2026

The Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC), one of the city’s highest greenhouse gas emitting facilities, is undergoing a heat recovery and mechanical optimization project to reduce energy use and modernize aging systems. Now nearing completion, the project builds on Prism Engineering’s carbon elimination study and implements an integrated low-temperature heating loop that captures waste heat from the arena’s ice plant and the aquatic centre’s exhaust air. Prism guided concept development, system design, and a coordinated six-phase implementation strategy that maintains safe indoor conditions for occupants while improving ventilation performance and ensuring reliable year-round heating. Projected to reduce emissions by 462 tCO 2e annually (73% below 2019 levels) and deliver substantial operating savings, the project also improves reliability across interconnected recreation spaces. ARC demonstrates how integrated heat recovery can significantly reduce emissions in complex municipal facilities. Company: Prism Engineering Limited Participants: Tim Aske, P.Eng.; Stephen Kooiman, P.Eng., M.A.Sc.; Iram Green, P.Eng.; Hamid Samani, P.Eng.; Chris Fontaine, P. Eng.; Bartjan Kiers, B.Eng.; San Khangura; Parham Ighani, EIT. P hoto : P rism E ngineering ABBOTSFORD RECREATION CENTRE HEAT RECOVERY AND OPTIMIZATION

TAYLOR ROAD FLOOD BOX MODERNIZATION AND FISH PASSAGE RESTORATION

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McElhanney partnered with the City of Burnaby to deliver a new pedestrian bridge over Highway 1. The project addresses a significant gap between existing crossings, linking Burnaby Lake Park with Deer Lake Park, delivering vital north–south connectivity for users and strengthening the City’s active transportation network. Works include the bridge, a new plaza with placemaking improvements at the south end, and connecting trails on both sides of the highway. The bridge integrates structural design with architectural vision, creating a landmark for Burnaby travelers who cross or pass under it. McElhanney has led this project since its inception in 2019, spanning initial planning/ siting studies, extensive public and stakeholder BURNABY LAKE PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS This project replaced a failing, undersized, manually operated flood box with a modernized system that improves flood protection and restores aquatic connectivity between Joe’s Lake and Nicomen Slough, near Deroche, in BC’s Fraser Valley. The upgraded infrastructure includes a larger concrete culvert and an automated slide gate that opens and closes based on measured water levels. The gate provides flood control during high water while improving fish passage into the upstream wetland complex, which is a habitat for salmon. The previous culvert was collapsing and required a diver to operate. With no utility power at the site, KWL designed an off-grid solar power and

engagement, conceptual design, a federal grant application, detailed design, and construction. The team includes architecture, structural and civil engineering, landscape architecture, environmental services, arborist, survey, geotechnical engineering, archaeology,

electrical engineering, and lighting design. Company: McElhanney Engineering Services Ltd.

Participants: Patrick Zerr, P.Eng.; Shane Anderson, P.Eng.; Angel Wong, P.Eng.; David Jeakle, P.Eng.; Neon Koon, P.Eng.; Ben Ticknor, P.Eng. PBX Engineering: Julian Vasquez, P.Eng. EXP: Muhammed Al-Kustaban, P.Eng. P hoto : J acob B ros C onstruction

controls package for winter autonomy, continuous instrumentation, and real-time control. The project’s multi-benefit approach resulted from collaboration between conservation organizations, Leq’á:mel First Nation, and local farmers. The remotely operated flood box performs during high water while maintaining fish passage. Company: Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. Participants: Sarah Lawrie, P.Eng.; Patrick Lilley, RPBio; Steeve Gagne, P.L.Eng.; Jacob Lloyd, EIT; Sal Fuda, EIT; Erica Harvey, EIT. P hoto : K err W ood L eidal A ssociates L td .

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